I have received notice from Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline if, following the triggering of Article 50 by Britain and the commencement of the Brexit negotiations, the Government has given due consideration as part of its negotiating stance to amending the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 2004 to allow non-Irish and non-British nationals resident in the North to apply for Irish citizenship given that the terms of the Good Friday Agreement currently allow for those born anywhere on the island to qualify for Irish citizenship.
I have also received notice from Senator Colm Burke of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to clarify the current position regarding the number of medical consultant vacancies in hospitals; and the actions his Department is proposing to address the current shortfall, which is reported to be in the region of 400.
I have also received notice from Senator Martin Conway of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to introduce compulsory water safety training in all primary schools and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have also received notice from Senator Tim Lombard of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to develop a strategy for increasing funding and recognition for, and participation in, women’s sport.
I have also received notice from Senator Máire Devine of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to outline the current position regarding the cross-border health care directive in the context of the provision of psychiatric services for Irish persons outside the State; the number of Irish patients who have received psychiatric care outside the State; and the reason these services are not provided for these patients within the State.
I have also received notice from Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the implications for the State of the recent Supreme Court decision on the right to work of asylum seekers in Ireland; and the steps the Government is considering taking to address the situation within the six-month period prescribed by the court.
I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Ó Donnghaile, Burke, Conway and Lombard and they will be taken now. Senators Devine and Ó Clochartaigh may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.